Racism in Europe during 20th Century - Research Paper Example

Racism in Europe during 20th Century Introduction Ever since the human being has started progressing economically, politically and other factors of development, there have been issues surrounding social status which deserves due attention. The concept of racism existed in English language since 1907 and is believed that conflict between Hitler’s Germany and Jewish Culture acted as catalyst in developing this concept into phenomena.1 Racism is the term used to define the act of prejudice or discrimination against lower caste people, or people with inferior qualities, the reason which is thought to be their race.2 (Kevin et al, 2002) Raj (2007) mentions that race is broadened to include ethnic, religious, and other downtrodden groups. Discrimination against such class of people is termed as racism.3 Europe is known as the places where colonial system existed, where the nations like England, Portugal, France, and others ruled over the major part of the world, extracting or stealing the wealth and material from the nations, which eventually led to industrial revolution. Even after the colonial rule is demolished from all the nations, the European nations still have the upper hand in terms of caste, color and creed which comes haunting the dark people. There are many incidents to cite the incidents of racial discrimination which includes Prince Harry ‘paki’ comments and also referring the Muslim insurgents as ‘rag heads’.(John and Ben, 2009)4 Moreover the famous incident of Indian actress Shilpa Shetty, where the fellow participants of Big Brother, Jade Goody, Jack Tweed and others, made racist remarks against the Indian counterpart, was made an issue in Great Britain Parliament.5 And more recently Ghanaian Footballer Solomon Opoku was at the receiving end from the spectators as they hurled him with racial abuse determined no to support black player in their club.6 According to UK Policy Studies Institute survey in the year 1990, it was reported that nearly 26% of white participants admitted to have prejudice against Asian, African or any other ethnic minority group. (Raj S. Bhopal, 2007)7 It is not surprising to note that Europe has the staggering increase in number of incidents related to racial abuse as there are large number of Asian students and families and other communities in this region. Racism in Europe Racism is an act of social discrimination and segregation that deny the members from certain group equal access to scarce and valued resources like water resources, living places, etc. Immigrants from different regions located in various parts of European regions due to which they were socially deprived even of their basic rights. They were exploited at work places, unhygienic living conditions, no proper resources for water, etc. Robert Miles (1989) states that racism was coined after being translated from Magnsu Hirschberg’s book Rassismus, refuting the claim that there are discrete human races. Robert’s race theory is also known as ‘scientific racism’. (Rathzel, 2002)8 Racism has its roots back to ancient history when the terms slavery, barbarism, etc existed. Those were the times when the human beings won during the war were sold and purchased at a large scale for various works. ‘Race’ was greatly used to describe the special order for the kings and bishops. Societies were formed like a modern organizational chart, on the basis of occupations and called as ‘The Great Chain of Being’. Nicolae (2004) stated that the Europe played a major role in wiping the civilizations in name of racial differences which was equally supported by their arguments which justified their acts. The mass media has been instrumental in building widespread acceptance of horrendous acts of Europe, presenting them as ‘divinely inspired’, ‘heroic’, ‘educational’ or, more bluntly, ‘necessary’.9 Essed (1991) defined everyday racism in terms of categories and social relationships that play a key role in everyday life and in terms of the characteristic properties of everyday life. (Rathzel, 2002)10 Different theories offered various views on the race. Monogenism explains that humankind originated from single source, Adam and Eve and Polygenism explains that variety of races was created in the same order as animals, plants, etc. During the 19th Century, scientific definitions were provided to the term ‘race’. French ‘free’ thinkers believed that every human being was born equally, but it was the environmental factors that separated the human beings from each other.11 Social Darwinism and European imperialism during late 19th and early 20th century laid the foundation for provoking racial thoughts. Interpreters of Darwin Theory explained Gobineau’s view of human history fueling the Social Darwinism creating differences in national strength along with levels of socioeconomic and political success among individuals.12 During 1950 and 60, UNESCO converged a meeting of internationally reputed scientists to summarise the scientific evidence concerning the nature of race. It was revealed in the process that racism had no scientific evidence.(Rathzel, 2002)13 Racism in Europe during 20th Century During the 20th century, various theories came into foray and their classifications increased as the study of racism was an intrinsic topic. In Great Britain, Martin Barker (1981) claimed the emergence of new racism called Powellit racism which was based on the notion of different and unassimilable culture. Jacob (2005) stated that widespread belief of racial superiority among Whites proved powerful in the middle of 20th century despite the importance of Darwinian evolution which denied hierarchy.14 Balibar (1998a) and Taguieff (1987) of France identified new racism called as La nouvelle droite. (Rathzel. 2002)15 Science further gave rise to ‘eugenicists’ whom aimed at solving the problems of racism by eliminating the unfit or incapable of succeeding in the civilized form. The eugenics movement concentrated on scientific racism between white and black along with other study creating a distinction between fit and white folks.16 Studies demonstrate that many young people during 1980s, that they were subject to prejudice and larger number of them were harbor hostile feelings against blacks and immigrant. During late 90’s, in Spain, a black immigrant was shot dead which awakened the racism debate. Spain witnessed large number of immigrants from underdeveloped and third world countries mainly from Africa and Asian countries. (Laurens and Popple, 1997)17 Immigration is been increasing on a large scale which is equally supported by the cause of globalization. During 20th century, people used to migrate from one place to other, mainly European regions, for better living conditions, good climatic conditions preferably for retired North Americans, who favored this region. (Laurens and Popple, 1997)18 Martin (1995) states that there have been numerous events of movement of human kinds due to various factors such as voluntary, forced, peaceful or violent, gradual or sudden. It is also stated that after Second World War, more and more immigrant population poured into the European region during 1950 and 1960.19 As contended by Laurens et al (1997)20, better living conditions was one of the factor, Martin (1995) mentions that opportunities for labor was created in order to rebuild the European industries which was somewhat disturbed due to World War and also to expand the industrial base which prompted large scale recruitment of unskilled migrant labor from Southern Europe, North Africa and colonies and former colonies of many European states. Additionally, an unprecedented number of refugees seek asylum in Western Europe during 1980 and 1990s.21 Second World War caused huge destruction to the world in terms of wealth, population, and infrastructure. Aftermath of world war, there was huge responsibility on the respective governments to rebuild the nations’ infrastructure and promote industrial growth. Immigration trends gave the required man power that the Europeans required in the form of labor at cheap prices. Cole (1997) mentions that Sicilian workers were exploited by their employers and made to work more for less wages or salaries. Immigrants suffered great humiliation and exploitation from the hands of employers on the basis of race.22 Ware (1992) and Koonz (1986) studied that women who were not frequently present in public take an active part in supporting racism, colonialism and fascism. (Rathzel. 2002)23 The roots of racism in Spanish society can be traced back to 15th century when gypsies first entered. Gimenez (1994) mentioned that 500,000 gypsies in Spain are ‘foreigners in their own land’ due to marginalization in their own country. (Laurens and Popple, 1997)24 Carlos states that new theories emerged during the 80s in the field of social psychology that announced a subtle, veiled racism. It was observed though the racial discrimination was not physically visible but still existed in the behavior by the top breeds.25 During early 20th century, Europe was still exercising colonial rule over Asian countries which considered the technological advancement in this region and skill of artisans and craftsmen advantageous for their own good. Valeriu (2004) mentions that 20th century began with atrocities in Africa and Asia perpetrated by the European Colonial powers which was covered by the media in a positive sense. The first legislated forms of racism in 20th century during 1930s when Nazi media took the matter seriously which turned out to the catalyst in achieving a national unity around Germany’s racial policy.26 Action against Racism In 1904, Andrew Carnegie, a poor Scottish immigrant millionaire, established the Station for Experimental Evolution to study the concept of hybridized people or racial mixtures. 27 Scientific racism laid importance on the skin color, measurements of nose, eyes, and other parts injecting into an idea of hereditary and transcendence. The science implied a biological link across generations that subsumed other forms of national identity into physical standards that others may not adopt. 28 Major Robert Wilson Shufeldt in ‘America’s Greatest Problem: The Negro’ commented on miscengenation by citing an example, wherein a young American artisan with good racial background marries a Virginian girl. A boy was born who was as black as coal with kinky hair featuring every quality of a Negro. The Girl tried to convince that he was his father who went to trace his wife’s ancestors on which he came to know that her great grandmother was a Negro, and his wife was the result of cross breeding with Whites.29 Evolution of Racism Laws European countries had to confront the issue of racism mainly due to large influx of immigrants from third world countries after Second World War. Many laws have been enacted during this period to tackle the issue which has not received much attention for so long. (Erik, 2003)30 In order to completely evict the racial discrimination from the society, European governments evolved reforms and laws to tackle the issue. The Race Relations Act 1976 of United Kingdom protects the individuals from being discriminated in the employment selection on the grounds of color, race, nationality, religious beliefs or ethnicity. This legislation describes four types of discrimination related to employment which are direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimization. United Nation addressed on this issue during International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination which was adopted in 1965 and came into force in 1969 which addressed the racial discriminations in employment and education sector.31 The British Presidency of the European Council succeeded in resolving the problem created by Danish Referendum rejecting the Maastricht Agreement in 1992. During the 20th century, provisions of the European Community were generally targeted towards the rights for individual nationals of the state. It also defined the rights of the nationals which did not extended to the nationals who came from third world countries who are not citizens of any EU member state even if they have settled with residence rights. Treaty of Rome was created with the objective of common market without any hindrance for the movement of capital goods and establishment. The Committee of Inquiry into Racism and Xenophobia of 1990 concluded with the 77 recommendation of change after the survey of all member states. The joint Declaration of 1986 against racism and Xenophobia made it mandatory on all institutions and member states to take effective and appropriate measures to combat all forms of intolerance, hostility on the grounds of racial, religious, cultural, social and national differences.32 The European Union had issued a declared titled ‘Europe against Racism’ drawing attention to the evils of racism both outside and within the Europe. The result of the declaration was that a European Monitoring Centre for Racism was provided to help the European authorities to track events and developments related to racism. Many human rights convention have passed resolution which provides long term impact on the ethnic differences. Article 4 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that ‘no one shall be held in slavery or servitude and slave trade shall be prohibited on all forms’. Article 4 of ECHR also provides the same thing that slavery of all forms should be prohibited. (Philips, et al, 1999)33 There were number of legal developments on this issue such as Law on Refugees in 1980, certain bill was passed punishing acts of racism and xenophobia in 1981, New Asylum Law was passed in 1988 and in 1994, Anti Racism law was refined and extended. (Bernd et al, 1995)34 Twentieth century anti racism laws was the new beginning in the fight against the racial discrimination which provided social integrity and identity to the nationals from other countries residing in Europe. Certain laws provided equal opportunities in the field of education and employment with equal pay and perks. Conclusion Racism is a social issue which is mostly based on elements like color, religion, nationality, religious beliefs and other factors. Modern theories developed by eminent sociologists differentiate race on the types of physical appearance, environmental factors and other non environmental factors. Raj Bhopal (2007) mentions that race and ethnicity are important functions in serving the development, identity and social relations. It is further stated the mere denial of differences will not eradicate the problem as the policies and norms that are formulated are according to the needs of White Europe population.35 Non Europeans have been victim to such racial discrimination for long in relation to employment, low wages, services, availability of scarce resources, etc. Even though governments have formulated polices and reforms to evict the social evils of racism, the devil still exists. There are numerous incidents of racism reported through media, but there are many which go unreported. Directive policies of EU, laws and reforms of different countries provide strict measures to combat racial abuse and discrimination which have been successful, but the services still have to make a long distance. Raj Bhopal (2007) rightly suggests that researchers, scholars, policy makers and practitioners need to contribute vigorously to international discussion and evidence in the light of European legislations that promote equality among all groups.36 Race and Racism are serious issues that needs to deliberately with in the near future the underprivileged should not be over powered in excess to that of other nationals. EU and World have united before and should unite in future to formulate policies and provisions to protect the interests of people discriminated on the basis of color, religion, beliefs and other factors. The only motive of any legislation should be equality and prosperity for all sections of the society in all departments like employment, education, government facilities, etc. irrespective of caste, creed, religion or nationality. References 1. 20th Century Racism, http://www.geocities.com/ru00ru00/racismhistory/20thcent.html 2. Bernd Baumgartl, Adrian Favell (1995) New xenophobia in Europe, Martinus Nijhoff Publishers 3. Big Brother Rapped over Race Row (2007), BBC News, Updated on 24 May 2007, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6687091.stm 4. Carlos Garcia – Malaga, Translated by Kate Stansfield, ‘ Immigrants take bread from our mouths: racism adapts to the 20th Century, Cafébabel.com,. http://www.cafebabel.com/eng/article/29383/modern-racism-adapts-twentieth-century-.html 5. Erik Bleich, (2003) Race politics in Britain and France: ideas and policymaking since the 1960's, Cambridge University Press. 6. Jan Laurens Hazekamp and Keith Popple, (1997) Racism, youth policy, and youth work in Europe: a fragmented picture, Taylor and Francis. 7. Jeffrey Cole (1997) The new racism in Europe: a Sicilian ethnography, Cambridge University Press 8. Jacob Darwin Hamblin (2005) Science in the early twentieth century: an encyclopedia, ABC-CLIO 9. John Bingham and Ben Leach (2009) Prince Harry 'Paki' row: MoD launches formal inquiry over video gaffe, Telegraph.co.uk., Updated on 11 Jan 2009, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/4218159/Prince-Harry-Paki-row-MoD-launches-formal-inquiry-over-video-gaffe.html 10. Kevin Reilly, Stephen Kaufman, Angela Bodino (2002) Racism: A Global Reader, M.E. Sharpe, p.17 11. Little done to stop racism in European football (four parts), The Star Online, Update February 7, 2009 http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2009/2/7/sports/20090207121805&sec=sports 12. Martin MacEwen (1995) Tackling racism in Europe: an examination of anti-discrimination law in practice, Berg Publishers 13. Nora Rathzel, Development in Theories of Racism, Evens Foundation (2002) Europe's new racism: causes, manifestations, and solutions, Berghahn Books 14. Philip Alston, Mara R. Bustelo, James Heenan, Academy of European Law (1999) The EU and human rights, Oxford University Press 15. Race and Racism in Europe – The French Revolution and The Nation. http://science.jrank.org/pages/10962/Race-Racism-in-Europe-French-Revolution-Nation.html 16. Racism and the Law, http://www.aboutequalopportunities.co.uk/racism-and-the-law.html 17. Raj S Bhopal (2007) Racism in Health and health care in Europe: reality or mirgage? European Journal of Public Health, Oxford Journals, http://eurpub.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/17/3/238 18. The Origin of Racism, (2003) Cryaloud.com. Updated on 15th July 2003. http://www.cryaloud.com/racism_origin_racial_profiling_xenophobia_hate_crimes.htm 19. Valeriu Nicolae, Director (2004) Romaphobia – Europe’s Acceptable Racism, European Roma Information Centre, Brussels Read More